Dujon Sterling to see specialist over ‘unreal’ issue after latest Rangers blow
Dujon Sterling may miss the Rangers game against Kilmarnock on Wednesday due to a “blocked nerve”, Philippe Clement has revealed.
The 25-year-old missed the Gers’ second away victory of the Scottish Premiership season on Sunday (1 December) as they beat St Johnstone 1-0 via an own goal from Jason Holt.
Along after confirming another major blow with the long-term absence of loanee Neraysho Kasanwirjo the Ibrox boss indicated Sterling now has to visit a specialist for his problem, which is not even seen as a proper injury.
Following the match, Clement confirmed why the ex-Chelsea defender was absent from the trip to Perth, via the BBC: “Dujon is unlucky, because it’s not a real injury. It’s a blocked nerve, so he has to see a specialist to unblock it, to get treatment and because of that, he was not available today.”
The Belgian also confirmed Sterling’s fitness remains uncertain, “We will see if he’s available on Wednesday or not. It’s not a long-term thing, but those things happen.”
As a result Light Blues captain James Tavernier was restored to right-back after being omitted from the starting lineup in the last two games.
Philippe Clement forced to revert to James Tavernier for Rangers
Football Insider opinion
Sterling should be an important player for Rangers this season, with his performances standing out in both domestic and European competitions.
In the Europa League, Sterling has excelled, playing a key role in Rangers’ emphatic 4-1 win over Nice away from home. His tenacity, defensive acumen, and ability to support attacks have made him a crucial asset.
But his availability has been an issue following a breakout campaign under Clement last season, and has hampered attempts to phase out Tavernier despite his loss of form.
If Kasanwirjo is now potentially done for the remainder of his loan from Feyenoord it puts extra pressure on Sterling to be ready to feature at right-back.
So untimely set-backs for the Englishman are the last thing he or his under-pressure manager needs as they attempt to claw something back from a difficult season.
But an unwelcome pattern of injury problems at Ibrox continue to prove a major hurdle to any sort of success in Govan.
In other news, Steven Naismith has given his verdict on Lawrence Shankland joining Rangers.
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